Daily Thoughts: The readings today are interesting on the one hand we have the famous story of Herod and John the Baptist. It is a rather gruesome story, it is hard sometimes to think of a young girl being presented with some one's head and then turning and giving it to her mother. Yet, I guess gruesome things happen in life every day, thankfully not in my life.
I am always struck in this story with the fact that Herod is moved by John, that he likes to listen to him, yet he gives in to the worldly pressure around him. I get the feeling Herod knows that John is right, but his power, his self-importance; his ego will not let him say yes. Herod has surrounded himself with people who push him in the wrong direction, he give in to the peer pressure of his time!
On the other hand the write of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us to be faithful. There is a great line in today's section; "Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels." What great advice! Perhaps it is advice that Herod should have heard or heeded. He certain had one of God's angels, John the Baptist in his presence.
We need to be aware that God can come to us, be present to us in many ways. We need to trust that God is with us always. We need to remember that we are a community of faith not just individuals and we need to always be aware of the struggles and joys of others because they can often bring God into our midst.
Let us today live by the phrase, God is my light and my salvation, whom should we fear? Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Daily Prayer: O God, help us to always love and reverence your presence in ourselves and others. Keep us always trusting of your presence and love and help us to be hospitable to all we encounter especially the angels you send into our life! Set out life today on a firm foundation of your love so we may live with the hope and trust that you will never forsake or abandon us because you are with us always! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Let's make our run today a God centered run. Let us honor the voice of God in nature, experiencing all the sounds and sights of nature as we run. We can let our breath join in the chorus and we look purposefully for all the signs of God in nature because if we do this we surely will not be running alone!
Rejoice we have reached the end of another week! Have a great Friday everyone! I know some of you are bracing for the storm, in some places it might have even started. I am still in sunny warm Orlando and I am not sure what tomorrow will bring, a journey into the cold and snow or another day in sun and warmth! Whatever, I will try to enjoy it! We had a great end to the mission last night. This is a wonderful faith community and I have truly enjoyed my time here at Holy Family. Blessings upon this faith community and all the people who journeyed with me this week! Blessings on all of you today where ever you are and in whatever you will encounter today. Stay safe, stay warm, have a great day and enjoy your weekend. I may be traveling tomorrow so you might not hear from me! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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